Glorious Joy – 1 Peter 1:8

You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy.

1 Peter 1:8 (NLT)

Peter writes to encourage early Christians exiled in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, who were facing persecution. His central message is to remain steadfast and joyful in faith, despite adversity.

Although these believers had not seen Jesus, their faith was grounded in Gospel teachings. Peter reminds them to keep the faith through trials and urges them to look forward to the hope of salvation.

So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

– 2 Corinthians 4:18

Believers love Jesus because He first loved them, dying for their salvation. Their unseen love is grounded in trusting God. This love is rooted in having a relationship built on faith rather than sight. This relationship empowers us to endure hardships and retain hope in the promise of eternal life.

The reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls.

1 Peter 1:9 (NLT)

Joy comes from faith: finding hope and peace in the promise of eternal life. Knowing Jesus loves us unconditionally and died for our sins gives us strength to persevere and to rejoice even in the face of adversity—to rejoice with glorious, inexpressible joy! This joy transcends circumstances, filling hearts with peace and an unwavering sense of love and fellowship.

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Lord Jesus, we thank You for Your mercy, grace, and love for us. We love You and praise Your name for Your incredible gift of salvation. Help us be steadfast in our faith and joy during difficult times. As the sight of the bright, bold flowers of the Gazania brings pleasure, our bright hope of salvation brings glorious joy. Amen

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Reverence and Awe – Hebrews 12:28

Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, 29 for our “God is a consuming fire.” Hebrews 12:28 -29 (ESV)

The kingdom that cannot be shaken is God’s eternal kingdom. God’s kingdom is given to us when we believe in Jesus. We need to place our hope and trust in His kingdom, not worldly things. This requires us to let go of the things of this world that impede us and fix our eyes on Jesus.

God loves us, forgives us, and guides us. We, in turn, need to show gratitude and reverence and be thankful for all God has done for us. Worship Him with reverence and awe, opening our hearts and lives to Him. Praising God by lifting our voices in gratitude and thanksgiving while living in a way that pleases and glorifies Him.

Verse 29 explains God’s wrath is on those who defy him; he is a consuming fire. His fire burns away impurities, refines, and purifies until all is clean.

28-29 Do you see what we’ve got? An unshakable kingdom! And do you see how thankful we must be? Not only thankful, but brimming with worship, deeply reverent before God. For God is not an indifferent bystander. He’s actively cleaning house, torching all that needs to burn, and he won’t quit until it’s all cleansed. God himself is Fire! Hebrews 12:28-29 (MSG)

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Our Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your many blessings. We are grateful for Your grace and for sharing Your unshakable kingdom. We praise and worship You with reverence and awe. Teach us to store our treasures in heaven rather than in earthly things. Like the beautiful hollyhock flowers are open wide to the sun, let us open our hearts to You and follow Your son, Jesus. Amen

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Refuge and Shield-Psalm 119:114

You are my hiding place and my shield. I find hope in your word.

– Psalm 119:114 (NET)

Psalm 119 is a message of confidence and trust in the Lord. In times of trouble, the psalmist trusts the Lord, his refuge and shield. He is our hiding place, our safe place, our shield to protect us from danger, and our place of comfort during life’s storms.

Like the Psalmist, we can rest in God’s promises and put our hope in His divine word. During adversity, we can find hope and strength in God’s word. As the CEV version says, Your word is my only hope.

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Prayer: Our Heavenly Father, you are our refuge and shield. Thank you for Your compassion and grace toward us. You are our hope and our salvation. Your word guides, comforts, and assures us. As the colors of the hyacinth brighten spring days, Your promises bring hope and brighten our days. In Jesus’ holy name. Amen

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We Wait in Hope – Psalm 33:20

We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. May your unfailing love rest upon us, O Lord, even as we put our hope in you.
Psalm 33:20–22 (CSB)

Faith teaches us to wait, for God is faithful, and to be patient with hope and accept God’s timing. God is our protector, our help, and our shield.

So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.
Hebrews 4:16 (NLT)

Jesus is our advocate; He speaks to the Father for us, providing help when we need it most. Our hope is found in Jesus, who loves us and gave His life for our salvation.

My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.
1 John 2:1 (NIV)

God’s unfailing love fills our hearts with joy! We rejoice, for we trust His Holy name! Our hope is in the Lord.

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Is Your hope in the Lord?

Prayer: Our Heavenly Father, You are our help, shield, and strength. Thank you for Your faithfulness and care. Teach us to be patient in hope and steadfast in faith. Guide us on our path and open our hearts to Your love. Like the buds on the Rose of Sharon open and the tree is filled with flowers, let us be open-hearted and filled with faith and hope. In Jesus’ holy name. Amen

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Everlasting Love: Jeremiah 31:3

The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.”
(NIV)

The Israelites had not kept God’s commandments. They were in exile in Babylon. In this verse, God promises to forgive them and restore them. This is an example of God’s grace and his love and kindness.

This verse showcases God’s grace, love, and kindness. For God is holy and just; and His faithfulness endures for generations. When we repent our sins, give up our sinful ways, and turn to God, He forgives us.

For the LORD is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation.
Psalm 100:5 (NLT)

For God is love; it’s His very nature; He is forgiving, and He loves us with everlasting love.

God is generous and doesn’t limit His kindness. For God shows us unfailing kindness, never-ending kindness through His everlasting love. He will always be there for us, listening to our prayers and helping us.

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God loves us with an everlasting love; do you respond with love and forgiveness to others?

Prayer: Our Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your forgiveness, grace, and kindness. We raise our thanks and praise for Your faithfulness and everlasting love. Guide us in Your truth and light. Like the red rose’s beauty shines brightly and brings happiness, let us shine brightly, reflecting Your light and Your love. In Jesus’ holy name. Amen

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Always With Me: Psalm 16:8

7 I will bless the LORD who guides me;

even at night my heart instructs me.

8 I know the LORD is always with me.

I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.
Psalm 16:7-8 (NLT)

In this verse, David is expressing joy that God is always with him. Since God is with him always, David feels secure and protected. Safe since the Lord is beside him as his guard, protector, and guide.
The Lord is with us always; when we are worried or afraid, he is with us. We can reach out to Him anytime, in prayer; for help and guidance.

8 Because you are close to me and always available, my confidence will never be shaken, for I experience your wrap-around presence every moment. 9 My heart and soul explode with joy-full of glory! Even my body will rest confident and secure.
Psalm 16:8 (TPT)

Like David, during times of uncertainty and fear, we can have confidence knowing the Lord is beside us. Or some versions say the Lord is at our right hand, a place of defense and honor. We shouldn’t be shaken or worried, for the Lord is with us, beside us guiding us, directing us, and instructing us.

God is with us, our hearts can rejoice, and our bodies can rest; with confidence knowing our eternal destiny is secure.

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Are you secure and confident, and acknowledge that God is with you always?

Prayer; Our Heavenly Father, we thank you for your compassion and care. Help us to grasp that You are with us always. Teach us to feel confident and secure in Your love and protection. Like the roses are leaning into and supporting each other, let us lean into Your strength and be confident in Your care. In Jesus’ holy and loving name. Amen

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Light of Your Presence: Psalm 89:15

15 Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, LORD. 16 They rejoice in your name all day long; they celebrate your righteousness.
Psalm 89:15-16 (NIV)

Blessed and happy are the people who worship the Lord. Praising, Him with open hearts and voices raised in song, making a joyful sound. A sound in biblical times associated with trumpets and singing during feast day celebrations.
To walk in the light of God’s presence, or the light of His countenance means to walk in God’s favor, enjoying His love and blessings. Celebrating and rejoicing; God’s righteousness and grace. Worshiping the Lord with shouts of joy and songs of praise. Delighting; in the light of His presence. ⁘

Are you taking time to worship God and joyfully praise Him? Is your heart open to His Word, and are you walking in the light of His presence?

Prayer; Our Heavenly Father, we thank you for your righteousness and grace. Joyfully we raise our voices in songs of praise and worship. Lord, you are our hope and salvation, our refuge in times of trouble. Like the open, glowing rose blossoms, let us be open to Your Word and glow with the light of Your presence. In Jesus’ holy name. Amen

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Rejoice and Blossom: Isaiah 35:1

1 The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom. Like the crocus,
Isaiah 35:1

1 Ask the LORD for rain in the springtime; it is the LORD who sends the thunderstorms. He gives showers of rain to all people, and plants of the field to everyone.
Zechariah 10:1

2 Let my teaching fall like rain and my words descend like dew, like showers on new grass, like abundant rain on tender plants.
Deuteronomy 32:2

28 “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.
Matthew 6:28-29

May we all take time this spring; to rejoice and blossom in His love. 🌺

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Jesus is the same forever: Hebrews 13:8

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
Hebrews 13:8 (NLT)

In this turbulent, fast-changing world, it is good to know that Jesus Christ, our Savior is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Jesus never changes, and neither does His Gospel. God never changes; neither does His Word, truth, or promises. Men have changes in mind, attitude, and priorities, but Jesus is steadfast for us in His love, His forgiveness, and His salvation. We can rely on Him; He is our strength and security in this turbulent world.

For God has said, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.”
Hebrews 13:5b

Jesus is as faithful as He has always been; we can have confidence that He will continue to take care of us, He will not abandon us. He is our High Priest at the right hand of God the Father, interceding for us yesterday, today, and forever.

When you are overwhelmed by the news and worry about changing policies, do you find peace in knowing that Jesus Christ and His love are the same yesterday, today, and forever?

Prayer; Jesus, we thank you for caring for us and listening to our prayers. We are in awe of your steadfast unchanging love, your comfort, and your everlasting peace. When the word is turbulent; and we are confused, teach us to put our trust in You. We know we can rely on You, for You will not forsake us. The flowers in bloom vary with the seasons, but you are constant in our lives; the same yesterday, today, and forever. We are grateful that You will never fail us or abandon us. Amen

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I believe in the power of prayer. If you need prayer, I would be glad to pray for you. Leave a comment or message me on the contact page. 🌺

Righteous and Just: Romans 3:22-24

22 This righteousness of God comes through faith in Jesus Christ for all those [Jew or Gentile] who believe [and trust in Him and acknowledge Him as God’s Son]. There is no distinction, 23 since all have sinned and continually fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are being justified [declared free of the guilt of sin, made acceptable to God, and granted eternal life] as a gift by His [precious, undeserved] [a]grace, through the redemption [the payment for our sin] which is [provided] in Christ Jesus,
Romans 3:22-24

God is righteous and just. His actions are right and fair, expressions of His holiness. Humans have a sinful nature, but God is good. God demonstrates his love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8) Righteousness comes from God; it is free a gift of grace to all who believe in Jesus. Christ’s death on the cross was for our sin, allowing for our justification by God’s grace, from sin to righteousness (to be right in the eyes of God). By God’s grace, belief and faith in Jesus bring salvation. Believe in God’s son Jesus, and you are saved.

God is loving, forgiving, righteous, and just. Will you accept Jesus and God’s grace?

Prayer; Our Heavenly Father, you are righteous, just, and forgiving. We thank You for Your love and grace toward us. Help us to grow in faith and love for each other. Teach us to open our hearts to You; increase in faith, and grow in righteousness. Like the bold peony flower brightens our days, let us be bold in faith and love and brighten the world. In Jesus’ loving name. Amen

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If you need prayer, I will be glad to pray for you. Leave a comment or message me on the contact page. 🌺